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Taming Triton: Southern Cross, #2
Poseidon's Pleasure: Southern Cross, #3
Netting Neptune: Southern Cross, #1
Ebook series5 titles

Southern Cross Series

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About this series

Dale Langley longs for some triple R time - rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. He accepts his cousin's invitation to winter over on Ocracoke Island, far away from the hustle and bustle of life on the mainland. He's always loved being a rolling stone, traveling for his job without the worry of a place to call home, but it's time for something different. Now Dale anticipates several blissful months to learn how to be still with no demands on his time while he prepares for the next phase of his life.

Aubrey Zimmerman came to Ocracoke to attend a friend's commitment ceremony. Never one to settle down, Aubrey's had enough of involvements that took him from man to man without a place to call home. He needs a break - and a little solitude. House sitting while his friend is on his honeymoon is the perfect way to clear his head and catch up on his sleep. At least it seemed that way until Dale arrived and Aubrey realized sleep is the last thing he needs.

Fate has changes in store for Dale and Aubrey, the sort neither one knew they wanted. Sometimes the more you wander the closer to home you get.

* * *

His hand on my knee snapped me back to the here and now. I looked around to find everyone hovering over the steaks sharing grilling secrets, and paying no attention to us.

I tried not to notice the warmth of Aubrey's palm on my skin, but failed miserably.

"You know, hon. I like to walk along the water after dinner. Why don't you join me?"

I must've had a stupid expression on my face. He tilted his head. "No hanky-panky, of course, being that we just met."

No one even glanced in our direction so I leaned toward him. "Um, sure. A walk would be nice. If I try to hold your hand are you going to stop me?"

"That's all you can hold tonight, sugar. I don't know anything about you, and I have to make sure you don't bite before we get to know each other better." He looked down then slowly lifted his beautiful gaze back to mine. "And you're hiding something."

I shivered as the memories of the vicious blows I'd received at the hands of strangers taunted me.

"I only nibble the occasional earlobe, and my secrets are my own, Aubrey. There's nothing in them to hurt anyone else."

He studied me for a few moments, his fascinating blue gaze enigmatic. "Fair enough, Dale." He sighed. "I do have my own. What?"

"I could stare into your eyes forever."

Aubrey didn't blink. "If I had a dollar for every time some tomcat said that to me, I'd be rich…"

LanguageEnglish
Release dateMay 1, 2016
Taming Triton: Southern Cross, #2
Poseidon's Pleasure: Southern Cross, #3
Netting Neptune: Southern Cross, #1

Titles in the series (5)

  • Netting Neptune: Southern Cross, #1

    1

    Netting Neptune: Southern Cross, #1
    Netting Neptune: Southern Cross, #1

    When a sexy stranger rises from the surf, Colby knows it's time to net his very own Neptune.   Theron Bowman is in the throes of a life crisis. Wanting to leave his past behind, he splurges on a two-week vacation in the Caribbean, and like everything else in his life, things quickly go awry and he ends up working at the Southern Cross resort to pay for his room.    Colby Denton drifted until he came to rest on the island of St. Lucia. With nothing to lose, he rolled the dice and bought a run-down hotel and turned it into a popular resort. To celebrate his tenth year on the island, and his birthday, Colby arranges for a series of festive beachside parties. When a sexy sea god swims out of the ocean in front of him, Colby has a brand new birthday plan – netting Neptune. * * *   Theron scooped up a healthy helping on a wheat cracker and took a bite. I watched his pink tongue flick bits of dip off his lower lip. His gaze locked with mine. Very slowly he licked his upper lip. I squirmed in my seat. He didn't even try to stop laughing at me as he went for another cracker. I held his gaze. "If you tease me like that again, babe, I'm gonna lick the extra off for you." He broke the cracker in half and handed a portion to me. "I wouldn't want you to go to any more trouble for me." I took the cracker. "You're a slick one, Mr. Bowman, but I'm known for my persistence." He popped a melon ball into his mouth and swallowed. "I sorta figured that out about you." Before I could reply, Josie tapped me on the shoulder. "Sorry to interrupt, but you're needed at the front desk, Colby." "I'll be right there." I turned back to my guest. "Please. Finish your meal, then come inside and find either Josie or me. Josie, if you can't find me, please take Mr. Bowman to my suite so he can get a shower and relax for a while." I didn't linger. The sooner I took care of whatever problem had occurred, the quicker I could get Theron alone. After that, I was already too worked up over this guy and it wouldn't be smart to speculate. Right. I planned to cast a net over my Neptune and give him a Southern Cross night to remember. The problem at the front desk was minor. I inputted my password, the software reset, and all was well. I slipped into my office and called the local airfield. Better to start with folks who were friendly. If they had off-loaded Theron's suitcase, then I'd grovel. They were certain Theron's luggage had not been removed from the plane and had no idea how it had been missed. It was likely back in Charlotte, North Carolina by now. I made another call, this one to the States to a travel agent friend of mine. He agreed to make a few stateside calls. The suitcase had to be somewhere, and I wanted to know where. Once I had the information, a decision based on my guest's plans was possible. Meanwhile, Theron could borrow some of my clothes for tonight.  Maybe, just maybe, I'd manage to steal a kiss, or more, before the party started. I checked the patio and he was gone, so I headed for my suite with all due haste. The sound of the shower spray zinging against the tiles greeted me. My knees quivered with the knowledge he was behind the door, naked. I had to let him know I was here. I couldn't let him stroll out of the bathroom in his birthday suit, all clean, smelling fresh like soap, and dripping wet. Could I?

  • Taming Triton: Southern Cross, #2

    2

    Taming Triton: Southern Cross, #2
    Taming Triton: Southern Cross, #2

    Austin Michaels accepts his brother's standing invitation for a Caribbean vacation at his island resort. Some time in the sun is just what he needs to map out a plan for his future. He gets lucky and meets a handsome teacher willing to have a little vacation fling with, as long as they can keep things fun. Steve Guthrie's secret longings have haunted him all his life. It's time to face his questions and find the truth of who he really is beyond a staid college professor. His love of the sea prompts him to take a vacation at a Caribbean hide-a-way for relaxation and reflection. A sexy stranger with a tattoo tempts Steve to abandon his plans, enticing him to share a vacation romp. Now Steve's the student in a high stakes class of one, and to pass the course, he has to tame his very own Triton. * * * I rounded the corner and stopped. Austin sat on the edge of the stone planter box, feet dangling, clutching a brown paper bag with the neck of a wine bottle sticking out the top. "Surprise," Austin said meekly, holding up his offering. Raising my eyebrow, I held my hand out for the bottle. It was an expensive label, one I'd always wanted to try, but shied away from because of its cost. What did he do for a living that he could afford it? "What surprise? That you're half an hour early and waiting on me? Wrong. It's no surprise at all." I swiped my keycard and opened the door. Austin didn't move. "Are you coming in?" He hopped off the planter and followed me inside to the obscene luxury of the suite. I'd really splurged on my accommodations, or so I thought. That bottle Austin had said maybe I was in the slum section of the resort. My little suite had a king-size bed with linens so soft and smooth that last night I easily imagined I slept on clouds. An amazing spa bathroom housed a tub big enough for four large men, a gas fireplace for when you were hosting a party in that fiberglass pool, and a shower with twelve—count 'em twelve—pulsating showerheads. Total climate control was possible, or all the windows and skylights opened to allow the breeze through. The high-definition television had a satellite hookup with a full sports channel package, and an equally state-of-the-art sound system provided the complete spectrum of music at the push of a few buttons. I also had a copy of the extensive wine list and menu, and nowhere did that high-end winery appear. "So, Austin, where'd you get the wine?" His mouth dropped open, and the hand not clutching the bottle clutched at his chest. "Wine? I gasp at the audacity of your words! This is not just wine—it's the nectar of the gods." "I've heard about this Bordeaux, you know. Is this part of some after-dinner seduction plan?" Austin tilted his head and flashed me a sly grin. "Don't you want to be seduced?"

  • Poseidon's Pleasure: Southern Cross, #3

    3

    Poseidon's Pleasure: Southern Cross, #3
    Poseidon's Pleasure: Southern Cross, #3

    Brett Houston triumphed over his life. Raised by an abusive father, Brett sacrificed his personal happiness to keep the ones he loved safe. Ready to make big changes in his life, Brett treats himself to a Caribbean vacation. To his surprise, he ends up at a seaside ball, wearing a G-string and presiding over the festivities as Poseidon, the God of the Sea.   Mark Matthews left behind his hometown, and his first love, to put down roots in California. With vacation time to use, or lose, Mark books a holiday on the island of St. Lucia, unaware of the surprise reunion Fate has waiting for him. Brett cautiously examines the fractured bonds of the past, while questioning the possibility of a renewed future with Mark. It's simpler for Mark. He won't settle for anything less than a future tending to Poseidon's pleasure. * * * A younger Mark would have asked me what I was worth, but this mature man across from me looked sad and nodded. I suspected he felt sorry for me, that my life had been mapped out for me and I hadn't escaped it. His pity rankled, and I let the opportunity pass to tell him the sale of the company was pending until after the holidays, and I looked forward to a long, altruistic retirement. "Well, I should go. It's great to see you again, Mark. I've wondered, from time-to-time, how you were." "I've wondered about you, too. Can't you sit and talk a little longer?" I was suddenly sixteen again, thrilled that someone wanted to spend time with me. But the time for such hope was long gone. My heart ached—that little thawing corner throbbed worse than a toothache—but it would break if I stayed. The past had to stay in the past. "I really need to be going. I should make a few calls before tonight." "Are you going to the party? I'll be there." But you won't leave with me, will you? "I expect to be there, with a couple of friends." I stood, and he scrambled to his feet after me. "I'll see you there then." Mark held his hand out again. My fingers closed around his. I shivered as the air between us crackled with a weird blue electricity. The avidity with which he looked at me stunned me. Could he really be that glad to see me? His hand squeezed mine, his grip strong enough to pinch my knuckles before he released me. "I'll see you there," he repeated, his low, rich baritone full of a promise I refused to believe in. I nodded and turned away, going only a few steps before he called to me. "Brett?" I stopped and looked back. "Yes?" "Are you free for lunch?" I looked out at the blue Caribbean Sea. Every day, those waters responded to the mysterious tug of the moon, letting it push and pull its liquid depths, no damage done. My tides were frozen, unable to believe, or hope. "Not today, sorry. Maybe tomorrow?" Mark smiled and nodded. "Tomorrow is good. I'll find you tonight, and we can set a time." My throat too tight to talk, I nodded. I walked back toward the resort, making it all the way to the boardwalk, and private misery, before my resolve caved in on itself and I looked back. From his patch of shade, Mark watched.

  • Between the Moon and the Deep Blue Sea: Southern Cross, #4

    4

    Between the Moon and the Deep Blue Sea: Southern Cross, #4
    Between the Moon and the Deep Blue Sea: Southern Cross, #4

    Chad Collier's had enough of providing stud service to rich men. It's true he's had more fun than any one man deserves, but now it's time to make a plan for the rest of his life. At the urging of a mentor, he takes a leap of faith and breaks with his old ways. Yet a job interview lands him smack in the path of Darcy Paulson, the sort of rich man Chad vowed to avoid. Darcy Paulson came of age as the prodigal son in a wealthy manufacturing dynasty. Every man he's ever met has been after his money, until Chad Collier shows up on his doorstep. Darcy finds Chad prickly, standoffish, and utterly irresistible. Smitten by Chad's dark good looks and determination to stand on his own two feet, Darcy is happy to give him an opportunity. It doesn't take long for them to figure out that some private, no-strings fun is what they both need. An unexpected event brings them face-to-face with the truth. The magic that happens between the moon and the deep blue sea is something a man can't own, and it can be fully experienced only in the arms of a lover... * * * His low, husky voice rippled over me in the small space. I stood still, unmoving, caught between fight and flight, as his warm palm stroked my side. I looked up into his glittering eyes and fell into his intent. Darcy's dark pink tongue flicked over his lips, leaving them moist. He meant to kiss me and, against all better judgment, I wanted him to do it. I gripped his hips and pulled him closer. I knew if I kissed him, he wouldn't push me away, but I… "I won't hurt you, Chad. I swear." "Don't promise me anything, Darcy. You don't know where my head is these days." His hands skimmed my sides. "Fair enough. Just don't lie to me and tell me you don't want to be kissed again." I let my hands fall from his hips. "What I want and what's best for me right now are several galaxies apart." Darcy studied me for the longest thirty seconds of my life, then nodded. "Okay. I'm backing off." The corner of his mouth twitched in a quirky smile. "I don't want to, but I will." The tiny spark of hope longing for him to push me past my reluctance died, and only when it faded did I realize what I'd done…

  • Catching Fireflies: Southern Cross, #5

    5

    Catching Fireflies: Southern Cross, #5
    Catching Fireflies: Southern Cross, #5

    Dale Langley longs for some triple R time - rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. He accepts his cousin's invitation to winter over on Ocracoke Island, far away from the hustle and bustle of life on the mainland. He's always loved being a rolling stone, traveling for his job without the worry of a place to call home, but it's time for something different. Now Dale anticipates several blissful months to learn how to be still with no demands on his time while he prepares for the next phase of his life. Aubrey Zimmerman came to Ocracoke to attend a friend's commitment ceremony. Never one to settle down, Aubrey's had enough of involvements that took him from man to man without a place to call home. He needs a break - and a little solitude. House sitting while his friend is on his honeymoon is the perfect way to clear his head and catch up on his sleep. At least it seemed that way until Dale arrived and Aubrey realized sleep is the last thing he needs. Fate has changes in store for Dale and Aubrey, the sort neither one knew they wanted. Sometimes the more you wander the closer to home you get. * * * His hand on my knee snapped me back to the here and now. I looked around to find everyone hovering over the steaks sharing grilling secrets, and paying no attention to us. I tried not to notice the warmth of Aubrey's palm on my skin, but failed miserably. "You know, hon. I like to walk along the water after dinner. Why don't you join me?" I must've had a stupid expression on my face. He tilted his head. "No hanky-panky, of course, being that we just met." No one even glanced in our direction so I leaned toward him. "Um, sure. A walk would be nice. If I try to hold your hand are you going to stop me?" "That's all you can hold tonight, sugar. I don't know anything about you, and I have to make sure you don't bite before we get to know each other better." He looked down then slowly lifted his beautiful gaze back to mine. "And you're hiding something." I shivered as the memories of the vicious blows I'd received at the hands of strangers taunted me. "I only nibble the occasional earlobe, and my secrets are my own, Aubrey. There's nothing in them to hurt anyone else." He studied me for a few moments, his fascinating blue gaze enigmatic. "Fair enough, Dale." He sighed. "I do have my own. What?" "I could stare into your eyes forever." Aubrey didn't blink. "If I had a dollar for every time some tomcat said that to me, I'd be rich…"

Author

KC Kendricks

KC Kendricks calls herself an accidental writer. After completing her first novel writing as Rayne Forrest, she was urged to submit it to a publisher, and everything snowballed from there. Today, the author has had over seventy books published. The author does not use AI in the creation of her books or the book covers.  In May of 2022, she "retired" from her day job, moving from being an Administrative Assistant to an Administrative Consultant. She says it sounds grand, but the job is basically answering emails to her protégé as she becomes acquainted with all aspects of the job.  A native of scenic western Maryland, the author enjoys most activities that don't include snow. In warm weather she might be found walking the dog, biking on the C&O Canal towpath, planting delicacies in her garden for the deer to munch on at night, playing in the creek, or lazing on the patio with her ebook reader or laptop. She recently began to research her family history and can't drive past a cemetery without stopping to search for family sites. Her mission is to photograph old tombstones before the elements erode the stones and the names are lost to time. For more about KC Kendricks and Rayne Forrest's writing life, please visit the Between the Keys blog at http:kckendricks.blogspot.com . If you'd like to know more about the author's country lifestyle and her daily activities full of simple country pleasures (and a lot of work), please visit the Holly Tree Manor blog at http://hollytreemanor.blogspot.com . And for dog lovers, there is Deuce's Day – life seen through the eyes of KC's black Lab, Deuce (http://deucesday.blogspot.com) KC finds YouTube a fascinating place and has recently uploaded a few short videos of life in the country. She hopes to do more in the future. Her channel is called The Hideaway Between the Keys. https://www.youtube.com/KCKendricks KC can be reached through her blog, Between the Keys. All comments are strictly moderated by the author and personal messages are treated as such. Follow the author on X (formerly Twitter) for up-to-date announcements at Twitter.com/KCKendricks.

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